Today’s daily current affairs briefing for UPSC aspirants explores the latest developments relevant to the upcoming civil services examination. Our focus today includes a critical analysis of recent policy changes, international affairs, and national developments, all of which play a pivotal role in shaping India’s socio-political and economic landscape. Stay informed and stay ahead in your UPSC preparations with our daily current affairs updates, as we provide you with concise, well-researched insights to help you connect the dots between contemporary events and the broader canvas of the civil services syllabus.
2nd International Conference on Green Hydrogen
Tags:GS-2, Govt.Policies & Interventions, GS-3, Growth & Development– Conservation
Why in the news?
- Recently, the Prime Minister Shri. Nerndra Modi envisions India as a global Green Hydrogen hub at 2nd International Conference on Green Hydrogen.
About Green Hydrogen
- Aim:
- National Green Hydrogen Mission launched in 2023, PM outlined India’s goals to make it a global hub for production, utilization and export of Green Hydrogen (GH2).
- Feature:
- It is referred to as Hydrogen produced by electrolysis which breaks down water molecules (H2O) into hydrogen Similarly, oxygen is produced by the use of renewable resources such as solar, wind, water.
- GH2 can also be produced from biomass, Includes biomass gasification Hydrogen .
- Applications of the GH2:
- Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles, Aviation and Marine, Industries (Fertilizer Refineries, Steel, Transport (Road, Rail), Shipping, Power generation.
How India Can Become a Global Hub for Green Hydrogen (GH2):
- Production:
- To achieve a target of 5 Million Metric Tons (MMT) of GH2 production, India needs an estimated investment of $100 billion. Key steps include:
- Funding: Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) can mobilize private sector capital and expertise for financing large-scale GH2 projects.
- Partnerships: Collaborating with global leaders can facilitate technical expertise and knowledge transfer, essential for scaling up.
- Innovation: Continued investments in Research and Development (R&D) can enhance the efficiency of electrolyser and fuel cell technologies, driving down costs.
- To achieve a target of 5 Million Metric Tons (MMT) of GH2 production, India needs an estimated investment of $100 billion. Key steps include:
- Utilization:
- GH2 can replace fossil fuel-derived feedstocks in industries like petroleum refining, fertilizer production, and steel manufacturing.
- Hydrogen-fueled long-haul transport and marine vessels could help decarbonize the mobility sector.
- Export Potential:
- With a projected global demand of over 100 MMT of GH2 and derivatives like Green Ammonia by 2030, India has the potential to export about 10 MMT of GH2/Green Ammonia annually.
- Challenges:
- High Costs: GH2 production technology remains expensive, hindering large-scale deployment.
- Transportation: Technical and logistical challenges exist in transporting hydrogen over long distances.
- Regulatory Framework: The absence of a comprehensive regulatory framework for GH2 could impede growth and investment in this sector.
UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims
Q:1 Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles produce one of the following as “exhaust” (2010)
- NH3
- CH4
- H2O
- H2O2
Ans: (c)
Source: PIB
Ayushman Bharat health insurance for senior citizens
Tags: GS- 2, Health – Senior Care– Ayushman Bharat– AB PM-JAY
Why in the news?
- Recently,The Union Cabinet has cleared the expansion of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) to provide health coverage to all senior citizens aged 70 years.
Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY):
- About
- Launched in September 2018, the scheme aimed to offer medical coverage of Rs. 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization to poor and vulnerable families.
- The scheme covers over nearly 40% of the population targeted towards the poorest and the vulnerable.
- Eligibility
- The scheme is targeted to cover 10.74 crore poor, deprived rural families and identified occupational category of urban worker’s families.
- Benefits
- It provides cashless access to health care services for the beneficiary at the point of service, i.e., the hospital.
- It offers Health Benefit Packages which covers surgery, medical and day care treatments, cost of medicines and diagnostics.
- Role of National Health Authority (NHA)
- Designing strategy, building technological infrastructure and
- Implementation of National Digital Health Mission to create a National Digital Health Ecosystem.
- To implement the scheme at the State level, State Health Agencies (SHAs) in the form of a society/trust have been set up by respective States.
- Performance
Ayushman Bharat health insurance for senior citizens
- Extension of the scheme
- The extension will now cover all citizens aged 70 years and above, offering Rs 5 lakh annual coverage per family.
- This expansion is expected to benefit an additional 6 crore elderly people from 4.5 crore families.
- Coverage under new plan:
- Shared top-up coverage – If there are two senior citizens (70 years+) in a family, then the Rs 5 lakh coverage will be shared between them.
- Those benefiting from other public health insurance schemes like CGHS, ECHS, or Ayushman CAPF can either continue with their current schemes or opt for AB PM-JAY.
- Additionally, senior citizens under private health insurance policies or the Employees’ State Insurance Scheme will also be eligible to avail the benefits of AB PM-JAY.
- Benefits
- This expansion is expected to provide substantial relief to a demographic that often struggles with managing disease burdens without a reliable social security net.
- This move is essential as India witnesses a shift towards nuclear family structures, where the financial burden on elderly individuals is more pronounced.
- Although the Ayushman Bharat scheme aimed at universal health coverage, this will be the first age group to receive full coverage.
Source: IE
PM E-DRIVE Scheme
Tags: GS2 – Governance- MoHFW – Govt. Schemes & Incentive
Why in the news?
- Recently the Ministry of Heavy Industries for “PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) Scheme” was cleared.
Objectives:
- Accelerate EV Adoption: Aims to speed up the switch to electric vehicles with upfront purchase incentives and charging infrastructure.
- Support Diverse Vehicle Categories: Promotes electric vehicles, including two-wheelers (e-2Ws), three-wheelers (e-3Ws), ambulances, buses, and trucks, to boost electric mobility.
- Enhance Charging Infrastructure: Tackles range concerns by funding new fast chargers.
- Integrate EVs into Healthcare: Allocates funds specifically for deploying electric ambulances, promoting greener healthcare solutions.
Significance:
- Environmental Benefits: expected to significantly reduce air pollution and dependency on fossil fuels.
- Economic Growth and Employment: create substantial employment opportunities in the EV manufacturing sector and associated supply chains.
- Support for Domestic Manufacturing: By implementing a phased manufacturing program (PMP), the domestic EV supply chain is strengthened, supporting the government’s Atma Nirbhar Bharat vision.
- Simplified EV Purchasing Process: The introduction of e-vouchers simplifies the process for consumers to claim subsidies, making electric vehicles more accessible.
Challenges:
- Implementation Coordination: Across various states and union territories may pose challenges, requiring coordination among multiple stakeholders.
- Affordability of EVs: Despite subsidies, maintaining the affordability of electric vehicles for lower-income segments may be difficult, potentially limiting adoption.
- Technological Adaptation: The scheme must remain adaptable to accommodate rapid advancements in EV technology and changing consumer preferences to ensure its long-term effectiveness.
- Infrastructure Availability:While the scheme allocates funds for charging infrastructure, ensuring widespread availability and accessibility of charging stations remains a critical challenge.
Initiatives taken in EV Sector:
- National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP) to encourage the adoption of EVS in India.
- Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for the Auto and Auto Component.
- PLI scheme for manufacturing advanced chemistry cell (ACC) batteries
Source: PIB
4 years of Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojna (PMMSY)
Tags: GS- 2, Governance- Government Policies & Interventions,GS- 3, Economy- Direct & Indirect Farm Subsidies
Why in the news?
- Recently, Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) Completed 4th year of implementation.
About PMMSY:
- Aim: It is launched in 2020 to bring Blue Revolution through sustainable and responsible development of the fisheries sector in India.
- Duration: Tenure FY 2020-21 to FY 2024-25
- Targets: fish production to 22 million metric tons; Reduce post-harvest losses from 20-25% to about 10%; Double export earnings to about Rs. 1 lakh crore etc.
- Investment: Total- Rs. 20,050 Cr. Central Sector Scheme- 9407 Cr.,Center sponsored 18330Cr., Center sector Component– 1720 Cr., State Sector scheme- 4880 Cr. Private beneficiaries – 5763 Cr.
Objectives of PMMSY:
- Harnessing of fisheries potential
- Modernizing value chain, post-harvest management and quality improvement
- Enhancing fish production and productivity
- Build robust fisheries management and regulatory framework
- Doubling fishers and fish farmers’ incomes and generation of employment.
Achievements of PMMSY from 2020-21 to 2024-25:
- Contribution of the fisheries sector: The fisheries sector to GVA in agriculture is estimated to increase from 7.28% in 2018-19 to around 9% in 2024-25.
- Export earnings: Double from Rs. 46,589 crore in 2018-19. 100,000 crore by 2024-25.
- Postharvest losses: Decrease from 20-25% to about 10%.
- Employment: The program is expected to create 1.7 million new jobs, with a focus on employing 75,000 women.
- Fish Store: 6,733 fish stands and fish stands have been approved.
- Water Health Management: 17 diagnostic and laboratory test sites have been approved for quality.
- Ornamental fishing: 2,153 ornamental fishing permits issued.
- Marine weed farms: 46,095 tanks and 66,330 monoline tube connections have been approved.
Changes include fishing:
- National Fisheries Development Project Portal was constructed under Prime Minister Fishermen Prosperity Sah Scheme, under Sub-Scheme PMMSY.
- It will be a central hub for angling member registration, information, services and fishing-related support.
- Pearl farming, ornamental fishing and Seaweed planting to encourage innovation in these scenic areas.
- Pilot project on drone technology for fish transport by Central Institute of Inland Fisheries and Research for Drone Search’; Authority to regulate inland fisheries.
- Establishment of Mandapam Regional Center of Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute as a center of excellence for marine algae promotion Agriculture and research.
- Availability of 3 nursery areas For Hyderabad, Mumbai and Kochi promoting at least 100 fishing start-ups, cooperatives.
- Previous priorities included development in the five Aqua Aqua parks in Assam, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Tripura and Nagaland and Nagaland; Two installations of Global fish markets in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam; etc.
Source: PIB
National Florence Nightingale Award
Tags: GS-2 , Polity & Governance- Award
Why in the news?
- Recently, The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu presented the National Florence Nightingale Awards for the year 2024 to the nursing professionals.
About the National Florence Nightingale Award:
- It was established in 1973 by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.
- The award is given to outstanding nursing staff working in Central, State/UTs and voluntary organizations.
- It was given as a mark that nurses and nursing staff provide quality services to the community.
- A nurse who works permanently in a clinical or community, educational or administrative setting is eligible to receive a national award.
- Each award consists of a certificate of professionalism, a cash prize of Rs.1,00,000/- and a trophy.
Who is Florence Nightingale?
- Florence Nightingale was an English social reformer, mathematician, and founder of modern nursing.
- Nightingale made a name for herself during the Crimean War as a nurse officer and trainer, organizing the care of wounded soldiers in Constantinople
- Her efforts to formalize nursing education established the first science-based nursing school- the Nightingale School of Nursing at St Thomas’ Hospital in London
Source: PIB
Trade Connect e-Platform
Tags: GS-3, Economy- Growth & Development- Industry
Why in the news?
- Recently, the Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Shri Piyush Goyal launched the Trade Connect e-platform.
About the Trade Connect e-Platform:
- It is a new digital initiative aimed at transforming the international business environment for Indian exporters, especially MSMEs (medium, small and medium enterprises).
- It will engage with various stakeholders including Indian exporters, MSMEs, Indian missions abroad, Export Promotion Council and other partner government agencies.
- The platform will provide information on trade trends in different parts of the world, benefits available due to India’s Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), and other news and information related to international trade
- The platform was developed with key partners including the Ministry of MSMEs, Exim Bank, Department of Financial Services (DFS), and Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
Significance:
- This initiative is in line with the government’s broader vision of promoting Digital India, promoting greater transparency and empowering businesses by providing easy access to critical business data
- This will reduce the costs, lead times and complexities associated with global business, ultimately enabling Indian businesses to succeed in international markets.
Source: PIB
Southern Birdwing butterfly
Tags: GS-3, Ecology & Environment- Biodiversity- Species
Why in the news?
- Recently, India’s second largest Birdwing butterfly has been found on the satellite campus of The American College in the Madurai district of Tamil Nadu.
About Southern Birdwing butterfly:
- About: It is also called the ‘Sahyadri Birdwing’ and it is India’s second largest butterfly species.
- Distribution: It is a large and striking butterfly species found in South Asia, majorly in the Western Ghats.
- Physical Characteristics :
- It is exceptionally large in size, with wings that exceed the dimensions of smaller birds. This notable wingspan is the reason behind its name, “birdwing.“
- Males typically have black wings with greenish-blue markings, while females have a more extensive pattern with cream-coloured markings.
- State Butterfly : It is the state butterfly of Karnataka.
- Conservation status IUCN: Least concern
Key points about Western Ghats:
- It is a mountain range that covers an area of 160,000 sq km in a stretch of 1,600 Km parallel to the western coast of the Indian peninsula.
- It traverses through the states of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
- It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site And is one of the 36 biodiversity hotspots in the world.
- These Ghats are home to high mountain forests, which moderate the tropical climate of the region and present one of the best examples of the monsoon system on the planet.
Source: TH
PM-eBus Sewa- PSM Scheme
Tags:GS-2, Economy- Growth & Development- Infrastructure- Govt. Policies & Interventions
Why in the news?
- Recently, the Union Cabinet approved the PM-eBus Sewa-Payment Security Mechanism (PSM) scheme for procurement and operation of e-buses by Public Transport Authorities.
About the PM-eBus Sewa- PSM Scheme:
- It will support deployment of more than 38,000 electric buses (e-Buses) from FY 2024-25 to FY 2028-29 with an outlay of over Rs.3,435 crore.
- It will support the operation of e-buses for a period of up to 12 years .
- At present, the majority of buses operated by Public Transport Authorities (PTAs) run on diesel/CNG, causing adverse environmental impact.
- e-buses are environmentally friendly, cost-effective and their high up-front costs have been a barrier to adoption.
- The government’s vision of promoting a self-reliant India by promoting Made in India e-buses and reducing its dependence on fossil fuels
- The scheme is open to all PTAs in those states and UTs that opt to participate.
- To address the default problem of the PTA, the system includes a Payment Protection Mechanism (PSM) administered by its implementing company Convergence Energy Services Limited (CESL).
- CESL ensures timely payment to OEMs/contractors and, in case of default, payment from the scheme fund, later recovery from the concerned PTA, State, or Union Territory.
Source: PIB
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